Mastercard Foundation Names Sewit Adherom as Next President and CEO

Mastercard Foundation has named Sewit Adherom its incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership transition at one of the world’s largest philanthropies.

Adherom, a seasoned technology executive, will take the helm on January 1, 2026, succeeding Reeta Roy, who has led the foundation for nearly 20 years. Under Roy’s tenure, the Toronto-based nonprofit grew into a global force in education, financial inclusion, and youth employment.

As CEO, Adherom will be charged with expanding the foundation’s impact across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada. Her mandate includes deepening partnerships with local organizations and driving solutions designed and led by the communities the foundation serves.

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A Leader Ushering Mastercard into a New Era of Impact

Mastercard’s Board of Directors began the search for a new President earlier this year with a clear profile in mind. A leader who exemplifies the values of the Mastercard Foundation, brings a global perspective, and possesses substantial experience working in Africa. Furthermore, the person must also demonstrate the capability and commitment to scale the Foundation’s impact across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada.

Following a rigorous search process and interviews with many accomplished candidates, the Board concluded that Ahderom was the outstanding choice to lead the Mastercard Foundation into its next era of impact. 

“Sewit is a highly talented global executive with a deep understanding of the African continent,” Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors, said. “Her career spans the development and private sectors, with expertise in agrifood systems and technology – areas closely aligned with the Foundation’s work. Most importantly, Sewit embodies our values. She is a thoughtful listener, fosters strong relationships, and is focused on delivering impactful results”. 

Her appointment will continue the Mastercard Foundation’s Africa-first agenda and indicate a shift towards more tech-powered solutions for jobs, skills, and opportunities. “Sewit’s career as an investor and an entrepreneur provides invaluable lessons in agility, resilience, and the realities of scaling complex systems. Her first-hand experience is an asset that will enable us to support the journeys of entrepreneurs,” Abdalla added.

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Who is Sewit Adherom?

For the past two years, Ahderom has been a respected member of the Mastercard Foundation’s Board of Directors, with a deep understanding of the organization’s mission.

“I am truly honoured to be in the service of the Foundation’s mission,” Adherom said. “Building on the extraordinary work of Reeta Roy, whose leadership has embodied partnership and purpose, it is both humbling and inspiring to carry this work forward. The Foundation’s commitment to helping young people access dignified and fulfilling work speaks to me on a deeply personal level.” 

“I am excited to listen and learn from young people, our staff, and our partners, and to strengthen the collaborations that will continue to shape meaningful change across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada,” she added.

Ahderom is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience spanning developed and emerging markets. Most recently, she has advised on initiatives leveraging emerging technology to enhance learning for displaced communities and guided organizations on AI adoption to tackle humanitarian challenges. 

Previously, she co-founded Gro Intelligence, a data and analytics platform providing insights on agriculture, climate, and economic development. She’s also held leadership roles at Helios Investment Partners (an Africa-focused private equity fund), Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and Citigroup’s Investment Banking Division. 

Ahderom holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University. Her career showcases a distinctive blend of global finance, African investment, and tech entrepreneurship.

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The Mastercard Foundation‘s vision is a world where everyone can learn and thrive. As one of the world’s largest philanthropies, with over $53 billion in assets, it’s making significant strides. The Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy aims to secure dignified work for 30 million young people by 2030. 

In Canada, its EleV Program supports 100,000 Indigenous youth in completing post-secondary education and transitioning into careers by the end of the decade. To date, these initiatives have empowered over 66 million people with vital skills and tools, and facilitated work opportunities for nearly 18 million young individuals, with more than half being young women.

Image Source: TechAfrica News